The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1887-05-26

i third week." replied the major. Like
yourself, we have chosen rather to en-
JOY the scenery within walking dis.
tances in preference to travelling about
by rail Or coach. My niece has been 4
little upset lately, SO we came here to
recru t her health"
Maude flushed up Indignantly. To
speak of the crual blow which had
been dealt her as if it were u mere
nothing!
''The young lady is looking so fresh
and charming that / think she must al
! ready be on the high road to recovery
Tins with a stiff old-fashioned bow to
Maude. II was about to say l trusted
, | might derive as much benefit from the
change only l feared that is too much
to expect. Age cannot expect to com.
pete with youth"
with your permission" suggested
Major Henderson. my niece and | will
accompany you to the falls. They are
within a quarter of an hours walk from
here, and l can give you a few hints
about the neighborhood as we &c
along"
Mr.. Browne would only be too pleas.
ed.
Maude walked on by her uncle's side,
experiencing a mixture of JOY ant
alarm. She was SO delighted to hear
that dear voice again; so fearful least
her lovers stratagem should be dis.
covered!
Mr.. Browne noticed her agitation
and was careful to divert Majol
HopIorcopfc alienation from, h;g niona
in case her confusion should betray the
secret. The trio had to cross a stream
by means of stepping-stones. The
stranger offered to assist Maude.
Managing to keep his back to Major
Henderson, Mr.. Browne, alias Lieut..
Mapleson. tenderly pressed Maude's
yielding hand, and with a world of e1.
preston in his blue eyes, whispered
BE careful, my darling, and all will
yet be well with u.s."
The next morning Mr.. Browne called
on Major Henderson. ~ have just Re.
ceived these, and l thought you woulc
perhaps like to look at Them" he said,
producing a packet of periodicals.
Major Henderson was glad to avail
himself of the offer, as current litera.
ture was rather difficult to procure in
so-out-of-the-way a place. "a
After a little further conversation,
Mr.. Browne was asked if he would
care to join the uncle and niece in their
morning ramble. Again he would be
only too pleased.
When the trio had gone some dis.
lance, Major Henderson, wishing to
enjoy a quiet, half-hour read. suggested
that he should sit down and rest a lit
tie, while Maude conducted Mr.. Browne
to a little spot close by, whence a good
view of Snowdon could be obtained.
II would fain, like you, rest a little -
replied Mr.. Browne; but as the day is
SO unusually clear l feel I must make
an effort to take advantage of it, es-
peciallv as this young lady has kindly
consented to act as my guide" And
so Mr.. Browne hobbled off, with Maude
walking patiently beside him.
AS soon rs the trees had hidden the
lovers from view. Jack drew Maude to
him, while she, h~alf-laughing and half
CRY ing, stroked his long, gray beard.
'Oh, Jack, whatever made you come
like this? What do you intend to do?"
This, nv sweetness; and the bold
lover drew from his pocket a marriage
license and a wedding-ring. Half-play-
fully the gallant lieutenant removed
Maude's glove and slipped on the ring.
What Il dear, little hand it looks!" he
cried, rapturously, land how happy l
shall be when 1 can call its dear owner
my sweet, little wife"
A slight sound fell on their ears, and
looking up they beheld Major Hender-
son not a hundred yards off.
Maude would have been grateful to
the earth had it opened at that moment
to receive her, but us it showed no
signs of accommodating her, she dis
engaged herself from Mr.. Brownies
embrace and hastily handed him back
the ring.
Mr.. Browne was equal to the occas.
| ion. although he had grave misgivings,
as he hobbled toward Major Henderson.
..Were you Fastening to join usF
You see we haven't got far. l am a
wretched walker at the best of times;
and in such scenery as this, one feels
forced to pause frequently to look
around"
81 expected to meet you coming
back" explained the major. But !
vas looking for yon in that direction"
indicating another path more to the
right. 81 was quite surprised when ]
saw you coming toward me-"
With what feelings of relief did the
lovers listen to the majors innocent
remarks!
At their early dinner the major drew
from his pocket a letter which he had
received by the mornings post and had
forgotten to read. ''With a polite
Excuse me. my dear" to his niece,
he hastily glanced at the contents. Il
must leave for London by the II o'clock
train tomorrow morning." he ex-
claimed. "This letter is of the utmost
Importance. How stupid of me to
have delayed reading it,"
"Am L to accompany you, uncle?"
asked Maude. family.
No, no, my dear; there is no need
for you to do that. 1 shall be back
here by the evening of the following
day."
The major was very p%reoccupied I'M
iii dinner was over but as Maude had